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English Premiership side Bath have moved quickly to announce that Johann van Graan will be joining them next summer from Munster.

The South African revealed on Tuesday that he was leaving the province at the end of the season following over four years at the helm at Thomond Park.

Bath say they have signed up van Graan on a 'long term' contract.

Upon the news, van Graan has called Bath a 'true rugby city'.

“I am hugely excited for the opportunity to join Bath for the 2022/23 season. I see huge potential in this club, the players, coaches and staff. I am coming to Bath to work with everyone, and to achieve great success with everyone at the club.

"This is an exciting next step for me as a coach, and for my family in moving to a proud club and a true rugby city."

Van Graan replaced Rassie Erasmus as Munster head coach in November 2017 and has brought them to two Champions Cup semi finals and a PRO 14 decider, but a trophy has continued to elude the Southern province in that time.

Bath are currently bottom of the English Premiership and suffered a 45-20 defeat by Leinster in the opening round of the Champions Cup last weekend.

Their CEO Tarquin McDonald has commented about van Graan's appointment.

"We have huge ambition at Bath," he said.

"Johann is a world-class coach who will play a fundamental role in our future success.

"He will hold full responsibility for our game, focussed on delivering winning performances. I am delighted to announce this appointment and look forward to welcoming Johann and his family to Bath this summer.”

Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper added:

“Johann is a phenomenal coach with a proven track record of developing teams to be successful on the pitch. He has experienced winning rugby environments at the very highest level of the game and knows exactly what it takes."

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